Tiptonville First United Methodist Church invites everyone to worship in a friendly reverent atmosphere. Sunday School for all ages meets before the main service of the morning. A time of greeting begins each service; then follows music, scripture reading, and a spiritual message. Sunday evening services offer congregational singing and a sermon. Wednesday evening services provide time for Bible study and discussion.

The mission of the First United Methodist Church of Tiptonville is to reach out to the lost in God’s love proclaiming the gospel of Christ and minister to the needs of the community with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.

If someone conducted a Bible quiz and the question “Who was Epaphroditus?” was asked, would you know the answer? His name was mentioned by Paul near the end of his letter to the Philippians. Paul was writing this letter from a prison cell in Rome and Epaphroditus had hand delivered a special gift from the people in the church at Philippi. Paul appreciated the gift but even more than the gift itself, the apostle appreciated the kindness and thoughtfulness of the people to remember him. He was especially appreciative of the special visit of Epaphroditus. Isn’t it interesting that Paul was a world-famous apostle, the most important missionary in the history of the Christian church, yet his spirit was sustained by the little deeds of kindness done by unknown people.
How often that is true for all of us! It is the little things, the small, often unremembered acts of human kindness, that combine to make life richer and more meaningful.
I often think of this in the program of our local churches. We have worship services, we have programs going on, and we send gifts for missional needs, but we could not do these things without the deeds of countless people who work without recognition. We find meaning in our lives by being good servants in the small things.
A newspaper reporter attended the fiftieth wedding anniversary of a couple, and asked them to share the secret of their marriage. The husband said that after the wedding his wife’s father had given him a package saying this is all you need to know to make the marriage work. In the package was a gold Docket watch. Across the face, where it could be seen daily, was this message, “Say something nice to Sarah.” Indeed this was wise advice. It is the little things that make such a difference…the act of kindness…the thoughtful deed…the word of encouragement. It is the little acts that bring refreshment and renewal during moments when things become tense and difficult and life is not going as smoothly as it might.
Jesus, who had an eye for little things like the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, said that anything done for one of his “little ones” was done for Him; even a cup of cold water given in His name would have its reward. Epaphroditus not only made Paul happy by bringing him the gift from the Philippian Christians, he not only gave order and meaning to his own life, he performed an action that served the Lord of the universe. Paul called the gifts he brought “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”
As we busy ourselves in preparation for our revival and charge conference and the fall programs of the church, we might keep our friend Epaphroditus in mind and thank God there are some this kind out there in both of our congregations.

May His Peace Be With You!! Marita

Tiptonville First United Methodist Church
536 Church Street, Tiptonville TN 38079
Tel:(731) 253-7414
firstunited5342@bellsouth.net or ayerslynne@bellsouth.net
Rev. Marita Burkeen, Pastor

Sunday Sunday School - 10:00 AM Morning Worship - 11:00 AM Evening Worship - 6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study - 6:00 PM